Look, if you’ve spent any time on the Grand Strand, you know the drill. It’s a neon blur of pancake houses, airbrushed t-shirts, and massive high-rise resorts that all kinda look the same after a while. But the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel is a different beast entirely. It sits a few blocks back from the ocean, which honestly, is its biggest strength and its biggest weakness depending on who you ask.
Most people see the word "Convention Center" and immediately think of stale coffee, beige carpets, and awkward networking events. They aren't wrong about the scale—it’s massive. We’re talking over 250,000 square feet of meeting space when you combine the hotel and the attached Myrtle Beach Convention Center. But for the average traveler or the business pro stuck in a three-day seminar, there’s a lot more going on here than just floor plans and podiums.
The Location Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. If your heart is set on stepping off your balcony directly onto the sand, this isn’t the place for you. You’re about two-thirds of a mile from the Atlantic. It’s a 15-minute walk. On a humid South Carolina July afternoon? That walk feels like a marathon.
However, being set back from the "Bermuda Triangle" of the main tourist drag has perks. You aren't dealing with the 2:00 AM noise of Ocean Boulevard. You get actual silence. Plus, you’re right next to Broadway at the Beach. That’s where the real action is anyway—Ripley’s Aquarium, Topgolf, and enough food to keep you busy for a week.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
I’ve stayed in a lot of Sheratons. Some feel like they haven't been touched since the Clinton administration. This one? It holds up surprisingly well. The 400 rooms are clean, and they use that signature "Sweet Sleeper" bed which, frankly, is still one of the best hotel mattresses in the game.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are the standard here. If you’re on a high enough floor, you get these sweeping views of the city skyline and the ocean in the distance. It’s a different perspective. You see the layout of the coast rather than just a wall of blue.
One thing that bugs me though? The parking. It’s $15 a day for self-parking, which feels a bit steep when you’re already paying a resort fee. It’s a common gripe among guests. But then again, in Myrtle Beach, you pay for the privilege of putting your car anywhere these days.
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Why Events Choose This Spot
Business travel is the lifeblood of this property. It’s the only hotel in the region that is physically integrated with the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This isn't just a hallway connection; it’s a seamless flow.
- The Hall of Fame: This is where the big stuff happens. The exhibit hall is huge—over 100,000 square feet. It hosts everything from massive volleyball tournaments to the South Carolina Grand Strand Boat and Sportsman Show.
- Ballroom Logistics: The Grand Ballroom is where the fancy dinners happen. It fits about 1,000 people for a banquet.
- The Coffee Factor: There is a Starbucks in the lobby. This sounds like a small detail, but when you have a 7:30 AM keynote speech, that green siren is a literal lifesaver.
The staff here are seasoned pros. They handle the "turn" (switching a room from a classroom setup to a dinner setup) faster than almost any team I’ve seen in the Southeast. They have to. The schedule at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel is relentless.
Eating and Drinking Without Leaving the Lobby
You’ve got Vidalia’s. It’s the main restaurant. Is it the best meal you’ll have in South Carolina? Probably not. There are better seafood spots ten minutes away. But for a hotel restaurant, it’s solid. They do a Lowcountry Grit bar that is actually pretty decent.
Then there’s Coffee & Cream. It’s a little spot for quick sandwiches and, well, ice cream. It’s perfect when you have ten minutes between breakout sessions and can't find the energy to walk to the car.
If you want a drink, M-Bar is the vibe. It’s tucked into the lobby. It’s where the "business" actually gets done after the sun goes down. It’s predictable, comfortable, and they make a mean Old Fashioned.
The "Resort" Side of Things
People forget this is technically a resort. There’s an indoor pool and a fitness center. The pool area is fine, but it’s more for a quick dip than a day of lounging. If you have kids, they’ll like it because it’s a break from the heat, but don't expect a water park.
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The fitness center is actually better than most. It’s got the modern LifeFitness gear. Most hotel gyms feel like an afterthought in a converted closet, but this one has enough space to actually move.
The Expert Take on the Surroundings
If you’re staying at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel, don't just sit in your room. Walk over to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. It’s about a mile away. You’ll hit the SkyWheel, which is the massive 187-foot tall observation wheel. It’s touristy, sure, but the view is worth the $20.
For food, skip the hotel dinner one night and head to Pine Lakes Tavern. It’s a local spot. Not many tourists find it. It’s the oldest golf course in the area (Pine Lakes International Country Club) and the pub there is legendary.
Addressing the Misconceptions
A lot of people think this hotel is "too far" from the beach.
It’s not.
If you’re a golfer, this is actually a better location than the oceanfront. You have quicker access to Highway 17, which gets you to the 80+ courses in the area much faster than fighting the traffic on the coast. You’re minutes away from the "Golden Mile," an area of high-end homes and quieter beaches that the locals prefer anyway.
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Another myth? That it’s only for business. Honestly, I see plenty of families here. They stay because the rates are often $50-$100 cheaper than the oceanfront properties during peak season. That adds up to a lot of extra money for Boardwalk fries and arcade games.
Final Logistics and Advice
If you're planning a trip, keep these specifics in mind. Check-in is at 4:00 PM. They are strict about it because the housekeeping team is usually flipping 400 rooms at once. If you arrive early, leave your bags with the bellhop and head to Broadway at the Beach.
The hotel address is 2101 North Oak Street. It’s easy to find. Just look for the tallest building that isn't on the water.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay:
- Request a High Floor: Anything above the 10th floor on the east side gives you a view of the ocean over the rooftops. It’s worth the ask at the front desk.
- Skip the Valet: The self-parking lot is right there. Unless it’s pouring rain, save yourself the tip and the wait time.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the points from a three-night stay here are significant, and it often gets you free Wi-Fi, which otherwise can be a daily charge.
- The "Back Way" to Broadway: Don't take the main roads if you’re driving. Use the back streets near the convention center to hit 21st Ave North. You’ll avoid the gridlock that happens near the Pelican’s stadium.
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before you book, Google the Myrtle Beach Convention Center schedule. If there’s a massive cheerleading competition or a comic-con happening, the lobby will be a madhouse. If you want quiet, pick a "dark" week when no major events are scheduled.
The Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel isn't a tropical escape. It’s a functional, well-oiled machine that happens to be in one of the best vacation spots in the country. It’s for the traveler who values a good night’s sleep and a bit of space over having sand in their shoes the moment they walk out the door.
Plan your transit ahead of time. Download a ride-share app because parking at the beach can be a nightmare during the summer months. If you’re here for work, take the extra hour to walk down to the water at sunset. It’s the best way to remind yourself that you’re on the coast, even if your day was spent under fluorescent lights.